USI finishes season sweep of UIndy with wire-to-wire win

A digital walkthough of the new USI PAC arena. The new arena is scheduled to be open for the 2018-19 season.
Provided / CannonDesign

Buy Photo

USI’s Alex Stein (20) celebrates his team's win against the Lewis University Flyers as they huddle together at the center of the court in USI's Physical Activities Center in Evansville, Ind., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. After going into overtime, the Screaming Eagles defeated the Flyers, 84-75.(Photo: SAM OWENS/ COURIER & PRESS)Buy Photo

EVANSVILLE — The University of Southern Indiana led wire-to-wire Thursday to finish a season sweep of Indianapolis.

The Eagles won 87-65 and were one point shy of doubling up the Greyhounds at halftime. Alex Stein led all scorers with 25 points and USI is now 13-4 overall and 4-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Here are three reasons why 1,257 fans saw the Eagles win at the Physical Activities Center.

The Eagles shut down one of the best shooting teams in Division II

UIndy began Thursday with the third-best three-point percentage in the country. It also was 13th in overall field-goal percentage and 51st in free throws.

Whether it was USI's defense or an off night, the Greyhounds didn't come close to any of their averages. They were just 2 of 15 from three and shot 33 percent overall.

"We got them to take some tough shots and I thought most were contested," USI coach Rodney Watson said. "Our guys were really connected on the defensive end to create all that flow for an inside-out offense."

USI only forced eight turnovers, but it had seven blocks, including five from senior Julius Rajala.

“I can’t jump so I don’t really know how I got those,” Rajala said with a chuckle.

Julius Rajala with a nice basket in transition. He already has eight points. It’s 29-17 Eagles with less than five minutes until half. pic.twitter.com/5o4XFaBGU9

“We didn’t really get to experience this much last year because we made all our threes, but it’s nice to get this inside-outside game going a little bit,” said Rajala, who finished with 14 points and eight rebounds

"We really struggled on offense (against Drury) and guys were standing around, including myself," Stein said. "I think tonight we did a really good job of cutting, especially 15 seconds and under in the shot clock to open things up."

Stein continues to be great

Still a junior, Stein is climbing USI's record book.

His 25 points moved him past Diond're Givens (1999-2003) and Ernie Brothers (1973-76) into No. 7 all-time on the career scoring list with 1,286 points.

"It’s definitely cool," he said. "I guess it shows hard work pays off, but as long as we keep winning, I’m going to be happy."

Stein is doing this despite a lingering, non-diagnosed foot injury that requires him to wear a boot to alleviate some of the pressure. He said it doesn't bother him much during games, though.

Considering he's averaging 19.5 points and there are at least 14 games remaining -- assuming USI makes the GLVC tournament -- then Stein should pass Cris Brunson (2001-05) for No. 4 all-time by the end of the season.

Stephen Jackson (1983-87) owns the program record with 2,216 points.

Stein, however, has never won at Bellarmine University's Knights Hall. That's his main goal for now, and he'll get another chance Monday against the No. 2 Knights.